CN115418833A

CN115418833A - Three-dimensional steam generation system for performing steam cycle in laundry device

Info

Publication number: CN115418833A
Application number: CN202210505972.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 瑞安·R·贝林杰; 香农·温; 马克·J·克里斯坦森
Original assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Current assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Priority date: 2021-05-17
Filing date: 2022-05-10
Publication date: 2022-12-02
Also published as: US20220364295A1; EP4092179A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a three-dimensional steam generation system for performing a steam cycle in a laundry appliance including a blower that delivers process air through an air flow path. The rotating drum defines a process chamber. The processing chamber is part of the gas flow path. A steam generation system places steam into the processing chamber. A plurality of fluid nozzles direct the vapor into the processing chamber according to an operating mode. The plurality of fluid nozzles includes a first nozzle positioned within an upper portion of the process chamber and a second nozzle positioned in a lower portion of the process chamber.

Description

Three-dimensional steam generation system for performing steam cycle in laundry device

Technical Field

An apparatus generally belongs to the field of laundry devices, and more particularly, to a laundry device including a plurality of fluid directing nozzles that may be used to perform various steam functions that may be adjusted based on various parameters.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path. The rotating drum defines a process chamber. The process chamber is part of the gas flow path. The steam generation system places steam into the processing chamber. A plurality of fluid nozzles direct vapor into the processing chamber according to an operating mode. The plurality of fluid nozzles includes a first nozzle positioned within an upper portion of the process chamber and a second nozzle positioned in a lower portion of the process chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having an access aperture defined within a front panel of the cabinet. The drum rotates in the cabinet. The access aperture provides selective access to a process chamber defined within the drum. The steam generation system delivers steam to the process chamber. A first nozzle is coupled to the front panel and above the access aperture. The second nozzle is positioned in a rear panel of the process chamber. The steam generator delivers steam to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operation mode. The operating mode is determined by a plurality of sensors positioned in communication with the process chamber. The steam generator generates steam in the absence of a dedicated heating element.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having an access aperture. The drum rotates within the cabinet to process a load of articles. The access aperture provides selective access to a process chamber defined within the drum. The steam generation system delivers steam to the process chamber. A first nozzle is coupled to the front panel and over the access aperture. The second nozzle is positioned in a rear panel of the process chamber. The steam generation system delivers steam to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operating mode. The operating mode is determined by a plurality of sensors positioned in communication with the process chamber. The first nozzle is oriented to direct a first jet of fluid in a downward direction toward a rear panel of the processing chamber, and the second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct a second jet of fluid in an upward direction toward the access aperture. The first jet of fluid and the second jet of fluid define a three-dimensional pattern of vapor that engages the load of articles from above and below, respectively.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance incorporating an aspect of a steam generation system;

fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a steam generation system for a laundry appliance;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an aspect of a user interface incorporated within a laundry appliance for operating a steam cycle;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance incorporating an aspect of the steam generation system;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the laundry appliance of FIG. 4 showing the door in an open position and the position of one of the plurality of fluid nozzles for the steam generation system;

fig. 6 is a front perspective view of the laundry device, illustrating steam generated in the process chamber;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart illustrating one aspect of a selection procedure of a user interface for initiating a steam function of the laundry appliance;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating an algorithm for estimating the magnitude of a load processed within the laundry appliance;

fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a process for calculating a load size and activating a steam function of the laundry device;

FIG. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a plurality of steam sequences operating based on the size of the load being processed within the apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a plurality of steam sequences operating based on the size of the load being processed within the apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a plurality of steam sequences operating based on the size of the load being processed within the apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the operation of a conductive sensor for managing the amount of vapor generated within a process chamber;

FIG. 14 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a process for performing a steam function using a plurality of fluid nozzles, wherein a conductive strip is used to assess the amount of steam generated within the process chamber; and

fig. 15 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method for generating steam using the laundry device.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

Detailed Description

The illustrated embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a group generation system for laundry appliances, which operates according to a sequence that is adjustable based on various parameters. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the present disclosure as oriented in fig. 1. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of an element that is closer to an intended viewer, and the term "back" shall refer to the surface of an element that is farther from an intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element preceded by "comprising 8230 \8230;" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring now to fig. 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally designates a steam generation system for a laundry appliance 12 that generates steam 14 within a treatment chamber 16 of the appliance 12, typically within a rotating drum 18. The steam generation system 10 includes a plurality of fluid nozzles 20 for generating steam 14 within the process chamber 16. According to various aspects of the apparatus, the equipment 12 includes a blower 22 that delivers process air 24 through an airflow path 26. The rotating drum 18 defines a process chamber 16. The processing chamber 16 is contained within an airflow path 26 for receiving process air 24 for dehumidifying articles 28 contained within the processing chamber 16. The steam generating system 10 is used to house steam 14 within a process chamber 16. A plurality of fluid nozzles 20 are used to direct the steam 14 into and through the processing chamber 16 according to a predetermined operating pattern 30. According to various aspects of the device, the predetermined operating mode 30 may be based on various factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to, the type of articles 28 or fabric to be treated within the treatment chamber 16, the amount of articles 28 being treated within the treatment chamber 16, combinations thereof, and other factors.

In general, the predetermined operating mode 30 may vary depending on various parameters associated with the selected operating cycle 32 and the articles 28 being processed within the processing chamber 16. These predetermined operating modes 30 generally involve selective operation of the steam generation system 10. This selective operation takes the form of activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the plurality of fluid nozzles 20. These activations 34 and deactivations 36 may be sequential, alternating, combinations thereof, and other operational modes 30 of activating 34 and deactivating 36 of one or more of the plurality of fluid ejection nozzles 20. The activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the operational mode 30 may be modified or adjusted based on measurements made by one or more sensors, and typically a plurality of sensors. The sensors are configured to measure the process air 24, the conditions within the process chamber 16, and the conditions of the articles 28 being processed. Using these measurements, the controller 170 may evaluate whether it is necessary to extend, pause, or otherwise modify either of the activations 34 or deactivations 36 of the operational mode 30.

According to various aspects of the apparatus, the steam generation system 10 includes a steam generator that generates steam 14 within a processing chamber 16 without using a dedicated heat source within the steam generation system 10. Thus, the steam generation system 10 generates steam 14 at a temperature similar to the air temperature of the process air 24 within the process chamber 16. In this manner, the fluid 82 is delivered to the fluid nozzle 20 and sprayed into the processing chamber 16 in the form of a fine mist. Various differences in humidity levels, dew points, and other environmental factors between the area outside the process chamber 16 and the area inside the process chamber 16 act together to generate vapor 14 within the process chamber 16. Various air handlers may be used to move the steam 14 generated within the treatment chamber 16 around and through the items 28 to be treated in the laundry appliance 12.

Referring now to fig. 1-6, the plurality of fluid nozzles 20 may comprise: a front fluid nozzle 50, also referred to herein as a first nozzle, positioned to generate the steam 14 within an upper portion 52 of the process chamber 16; and a rear fluid nozzle 54 positioned to generate the steam 14 within a lower portion 56 of the process chamber 16. The front fluid nozzle 50 may be positioned near or within the front panel 58 of the apparatus 12 such that the fluid nozzle 20 is directed to jettisoningly or otherwise dispose the first jet 70 of fluid 82 into the access aperture 122 in a generally downward direction and toward the rear panel 60 of the rotating drum 18. The rear fluid nozzle 54 (also referred to herein as a second nozzle) is generally positioned within a rear panel 60 of the rotating drum 18, which is generally stationary as a peripheral wall 62 of the rotating drum 18 rotates about an axis of rotation 64. The rear fluid nozzle 54 is adapted to direct the second jet 72 of fluid 82 in a generally upward direction and toward the access aperture 122. When both the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 are activated, steam 14 is generated within the front and

upper portions

66, 52 of the processing chamber 16 and the rear and

lower portions

68, 56 of the processing chamber 16. In this manner, the steam 14 generated by the plurality of fluid nozzles 20 may move throughout the treatment chamber 16 for penetration within, around, and through the articles 28 treated within the rotating drum 18. This configuration of the steam generating system 10 also allows the articles 28 to tumble through the area of steam 14 generated in the processing chamber 16.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the steam generation system 10 includes a fluid delivery manifold 80 that directs a fluid 82 to the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54. Various valves 84 are attached to the fluid delivery manifold 80 and/or the forward and aft

fluid nozzles

50, 54 for selectively operating the forward and aft fluid nozzles 50, 54 (first and second nozzles). This selective operation of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 is used to perform various activations 34 and deactivations 36 of the steam generating system 10 and the plurality of fluid nozzles 20. The front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 of the steam generating system 10 are used to define a three-dimensional pattern 74 of steam 14 that engages the articles 28 within the treatment chamber 16 from the front and rear and from above and below, as described more fully herein.

Referring now to fig. 3, user interface 100 for appliance 12 may include dedicated controls for operating steam generation system 10 during performance of any one or more operating cycles 32 of appliance 12. Certain operating cycles 32 may include a built-in steam function 102 that operates automatically within a portion of the operating cycle 32. It is also contemplated that various steam functions 102 may be specifically selected using the user interface 100. These particular selections may activate or deactivate the steam function 102, increase or decrease the amount of steam 14 generated during the processing chamber 16, set various parameters regarding the amount of steam 14 to be generated, and other like factors described more fully herein.

Referring now to fig. 4-6, the front fluid nozzle 50 is generally positioned at the 12 o' clock position of the rotating drum 18 and is positioned proximate to the top portion 120 of the access aperture 122 of the rotating drum 18. The front fluid nozzle 50 may be attached to the outer cabinet 124 or to a structural component of the equipment 12 proximate to the outer cabinet 124. In this manner, the front fluid nozzle 50 is stationary as the drum 18 rotates about the axis of rotation 64. The front fluid nozzle 50 directs the fluid 82 through the access aperture 122 and into the processing chamber 16 such that the vapor 14 may be generated within the processing chamber 16. In various aspects of the apparatus, the door panel 126 for the equipment 12 may include a window such that a user may view the generation of the steam 14 within the process chamber 16.

Referring now to fig. 7-9, the steam generation system 10 may include an automatic activation sequence 140 that may be used to determine an appropriate amount of steam 14 to be generated within the process chamber 16. While various sensors and data points may be utilized to estimate the amount of articles 28 being processed or the type of articles 28 being processed, exemplary aspects of the apparatus include a rear temperature probe 142 and a front temperature probe 144 positioned at an upstream location 146 of the processing chamber 16 and a downstream location 148 of the processing chamber 16, respectively. As illustrated in fig. 1, the front temperature probe 144 is positioned at a downstream location 148 such that the process air 24 exiting the process chamber 16 may be monitored by the front temperature probe 144 for determining the temperature of the process air 24 exiting the process chamber 16. The rear temperature probe 142 monitors the temperature of the process air 24 entering the process chamber 16 and is positioned generally behind the rotating drum 18 within a portion of the airflow path 26 proximate the rear wall 150 of the apparatus 12.

The rear temperature probe 142 and the front temperature probe 144 monitor the change or "delta" in temperature of the process air 24 as it moves through the treatment chamber 16 and engages the various articles 28 to dehumidify the articles 28 during the laundry cycle. The variation or temperature differential in the temperature of the process air 24 may have predictable temperature variations depending on the amount of articles 28 processed within the process chamber 16. With this temperature difference between the temperature of the process air 24 entering the process chamber 16 and the temperature of the process air 24 exiting the process chamber 16, the amount of articles 28 being processed can be estimated and classified as small, medium, and large loads. It is also contemplated that the load size may be divided into fewer categories, such as large load and small load. A greater number of categories may also be used depending on the sensitivity of the rear and front temperature probes 142, 144 and the desired accuracy of the various steam functions 102.

Referring again to fig. 8 and 9, when estimating the magnitude of the load, the amount of steam 14 to be generated within the processing chamber 16 may be increased for larger loads and decreased for smaller loads. The amount of steam 14 to be generated is intended to be an appropriate amount for washing or de-wrinkling garments without causing undesirable accumulation of moisture within the treatment chamber 16 that may result in the articles 28 being over-saturated with the fluid 82.

As illustrated in fig. 8 and 9, the amount of moisture to be generated within the processing chamber 16 is a value that can be calculated by the controller 170 for the apparatus 12. The generation of the vapor 14 within the processing chamber 16 is performed by various activations 34 and deactivations 36 of the front fluid nozzles 50 and the rear fluid nozzles 54. By way of example and not limitation, a greater amount of vapor 14 generated within the processing chamber 16 may result in a greater amount of activation 34 or a longer period of activation 34 between the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54. There may be a greater degree of deactivation 36 or longer periods of deactivation 36 between the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 for the steam generation system 10, given the smaller amount of steam 14 being generated. In other words, more activations 34 and/or longer activations 34 generally result in a greater amount of steam 14 being generated within the processing chamber 16.

Referring now to fig. 10-12, the operational mode 30 of the various configurations including activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 may vary depending on the estimated amount of articles 28 to be present within the processing chamber 16. As illustrated in fig. 10, three separate low-load configurations 190 for the forward and aft

fluid nozzles

50, 54 are presented in an exemplary and non-limiting manner. The difference in the operational modes 30 of activation 34 and deactivation 36 may vary depending on the length of activation 34 or deactivation 36, the operational modes 30 of activation 34 and deactivation 36, and the alternating and simultaneous activation 34 of the front fluid jets 50 and rear fluid jets 54. Similarly, as illustrated in fig. 11, three separate heavy load configurations 192 of the steam generating system 10 are presented in an exemplary and non-limiting manner.

As illustrated in fig. 10 and 11, the various activations 34 and deactivations 36 of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 tend to be longer in the heavy load configuration 192 such that a greater amount of steam 14 may be generated within the process chamber 16. In addition, the operational mode 30 of activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the front and

rear fluid jets

50, 54 may be varied between simultaneous activation, sequential activation, long-term activation or deactivation, and combinations of these variations, between activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the plurality of fluid jets 20.

As illustrated in fig. 12, the difference between the light load configuration 190 and the heavy load configuration 192 for the steam generation system 10 may be in the form of the number of cycles performed in a recurring manner during a particular drying cycle. As shown in fig. 12, the light load configuration 190 is repeated ten times, while the heavy load configuration 192 is repeated 20 times.

As illustrated in fig. 8-12, estimation of the load size using rear temperature probe 142 and front temperature probe 144 may change the configuration of the steam cycle such that more steam 14 is generated when there is a larger load of items 28. It is also contemplated that the estimation of the load magnitude performed by the rear and front temperature probes 142, 144 and the controller 170 may extend the time of the cycle such that additional activations 34 within the heavy load configuration 192 may be performed until completion. Alternatively, where a smaller load of articles 28 is being processed, the specific laundry cycle may be shortened after the requisite number of activations 34 and deactivations 36 of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 have been performed.

According to various aspects of the apparatus, the rear temperature probe 142 and the front temperature probe 144 may also be used to determine the type of apparel or fabric of the articles 28 being processed within the processing chamber 16. Generally, users of laundry appliances 12 tend to group items 28 to be processed within a particular category. Such categories may include delicate garments, white garments (typically cotton), dark garments, bed sheets, linen and other similar fabric type categories. The item type category may include bulky items, non-clothing items (e.g., shoes), and the like. The user interface 100 for the laundry appliance 12 may be configured to provide a selection of a garment type. It is also contemplated that various sensors may be used to estimate the type of garment being treated. These estimates may be selected automatically or may be part of a confirmation sequence used in selecting a wash cycle. The identification may be associated with the particular fabric type or item 28 being treated. The various steaming functions 102 presented herein for heavy and light duty articles 28 may also vary depending on the fabric type. Delicate clothing may require a smaller amount of steam 14, wherein cotton may require a larger amount of steam 14. These various parameters may be adjusted based on the type of garment, the size of the load, the selected dryness level, and other similar parameters that may be hardwired or programmed within the controller 170 for the appliance 12 or selected by the user, or both.

Referring now to fig. 13 and 14, various mechanisms may be utilized to assess the amount of steam 14 that has been generated within the laundry appliance 12. By way of example and not limitation, conductive sensors 210 in the form of conductive strips may be positioned within the processing chamber 16. This conductive sensor 210 may be attached to an inner surface 212 of the drum 18. The amount of humidity within the processing chamber 16 in the form of vapor 14 may be sensed by the conductive sensor 210 for estimating the amount of vapor 14 contained within the environment of the processing chamber 16. When an appropriate amount of vapor 14 has been achieved within the process chamber 16, the conductive sensor 210 senses this amount and communicates with the controller 170 to initiate deactivation 36 of one or both of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54. The conductive sensor 210 may also communicate with the controller 170 to modify the activation 34 and deactivation 36 to provide more or less vapor 14 within the processing chamber 16.

By way of example and not limitation, the amount of steam 14 required within the process chamber 16 may vary over time during the drying cycle. As these steam generation requirements change, the conductivity sensor 210 may adjust the activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 to provide a corresponding increase or decrease in the amount of steam 14 generated therein.

Referring now to fig. 14, it is contemplated that the conductive sensor 210 is used to measure a moisture content associated with a maximum predefined moisture content. Generally, the conductive sensor 210 is disposed on the inner surface 212 of the drum 18 and measures the moisture content or humidity level of the process air 24 within the process chamber 16. In this manner, when the amount of steam 14 generated within the processing chamber 16 reaches a predefined maximum amount of moisture, the conductivity sensor 210 may communicate with the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 via the controller 170 to initiate deactivation 36 of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54. If the amount of moisture within the treatment chamber 16 is below a predefined maximum amount or below a predefined minimum amount, the conductivity sensor 210 can measure this moisture reduction and communicate with the controller 170 to initiate activation 34 of the front and

rear fluid nozzles

50, 54 to provide an additional amount of steam 14 as needed.

Having described various aspects of the steam generation system 10, a method 400 for generating steam 14 within a process chamber 16 is disclosed. The method 400 includes selecting a drying function, a steam function 102, or other operating cycle 32 (step 402). As discussed herein, the process of selecting an operational function is typically initiated by a user via the user interface 100. In certain aspects of the apparatus, it is contemplated that the drying appliance 12 may automatically select certain operating cycles 32 based on various sensor readings of the articles 28 being processed within the drum 18. According to the method 400, the operational loop 32 is activated (step 404). When activated, the load size of the item 28 being processed is estimated (step 406). The process of estimating the load size may be initiated during typical execution of a particular operational loop 32. It is also contemplated that the estimation function may be performed during a dedicated estimation routine that is performed prior to initiating the selected operating cycle 32. Once the load size is estimated, the steam function 102 is initiated based on the load size (step 408). During the performance of the steam function 102 and the operation cycle 32, the amount of steam 14 generated within the process chamber 16 is monitored (step 410). As discussed herein, this monitoring function is typically performed by a conductive sensor 210 positioned within the processing chamber 16. According to the method 400, the amount of steam 14 is maintained within a preferred steam or moisture range of less than a maximum predetermined amount and greater than a minimum predetermined amount of moisture (step 412). In this manner, the conductive sensor 210 communicates with the controller 170 to modify the activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the plurality of fluid nozzles 20 to adjust the amount of vapor 14 generated within the processing chamber 16. The operational cycle 32 is then complete (step 414).

According to various aspects of the apparatus, the steam generation system 10 is used to provide an automated steam function 102 that can be adjusted in real time during operation and during the performance of various laundry cycles. The steam generation system 10 generates steam 14 within the treatment chamber 16 and provides a desired amount of moisture within the treatment chamber 16 for performing various washing and de-wrinkling type steam functions 102 on the articles 28 contained within the treatment chamber 16.

As discussed herein, the steam generation system 10 generates steam 14 within the process chamber 16 without resorting to a dedicated heating element within the steam generation system 10. It is contemplated that the various algorithms and steam generation cycles discussed herein may be utilized with the steam generation system 10 that does utilize a heating element to generate the steam 14 and inject a jet of the steam 14 into the process chamber 16. It is also contemplated that a combination of heated steam generating elements and unheated fluid nozzles 20 may be used in combination to generate various amounts of steam 14 within the process chamber 16.

The plurality of fluid nozzles 20 disclosed herein may include a forward fluid nozzle 50 and an aft fluid nozzle 54. It is also contemplated that additional fluid nozzles 20 may be incorporated within the drum 18 for other configurations that provide the three-dimensional steam generation functionality of the steam generation system 10. With the provision of additional fluid nozzles 20 in the steam generation system 10, the configuration of activation 34 and deactivation 36 of the plurality of fluid nozzles 20 may be adjusted to provide a desired amount of steam 14 and configuration of steam 14 within the processing chamber 16. The configuration of steam 14 provided by the plurality of fluid nozzles 20 is intended to provide steam 14 throughout the treatment chamber 16 such that the articles 28 receive steam 14 from below via the rear fluid nozzles 54 and also tumble through the resulting section of steam 14 within the upper portion 52 of the treatment chamber 16. This combination of fluid nozzles 20 is configured to provide sufficient steam 14 to allow the steam 14 to move within, around, and through the various articles 28 being processed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a blower to deliver process air through an air flow path. The rotating drum defines a process chamber. The process chamber is part of the gas flow path. The steam generation system places steam into the processing chamber. A plurality of fluid nozzles direct the vapor into the processing chamber according to an operating mode. The plurality of fluid nozzles includes a first nozzle positioned within an upper portion of the process chamber and a second nozzle positioned in a lower portion of the process chamber.

According to another aspect, the mode of operation is based on the type of fabric being treated in the treatment chamber.

According to yet another aspect, the mode of operation is based on the amount of articles processed in the processing chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the operational mode includes activation and deactivation of the plurality of fluid nozzles.

According to another aspect, a rotating drum operates within the cabinet and includes an access aperture providing selective access to the processing chamber. The first nozzle is positioned above the access aperture and oriented to direct a first jet of fluid in a downward direction toward a rear panel of the processing chamber.

According to yet another aspect, a second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct a second jet of fluid in an upward direction toward the access aperture.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the steam generator generates steam at a temperature similar to an air temperature of process air within the process chamber. The steam generator delivers fluid to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operating mode.

According to another aspect, the operating mode includes selective activation of valves for the first nozzle and the second nozzle, respectively. The steam generator includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle.

According to yet another aspect, the conductive sensor is in communication with the steam generator and the valve. The conductive sensor measures a humidity level within the process chamber. The operating mode and selective activation of the valve operate at least in part in accordance with a humidity level within the processing chamber as measured by the conductive sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a rear temperature probe is positioned within the gas flow path and proximate to a rear panel of the process chamber. The post temperature probe measures the air temperature of the process air entering the process chamber. A front temperature probe is positioned within the gas flow path and proximate to a front panel of the processing chamber. The front temperature probe measures the air temperature of the process air exiting the process chamber. The rear temperature probe and the front temperature probe measure the temperature change of the process air. The operating mode and selective activation of the valves operate at least in part according to changes in temperature of the process air.

According to another aspect, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having an access aperture defined within a front panel of the cabinet. The drum rotates within the cabinet. The access aperture provides selective access to a process chamber defined within the drum. The steam generation system delivers steam to the process chamber. A first nozzle is coupled to the front panel and over the access aperture. The second nozzle is positioned in a rear panel of the process chamber. The steam generator delivers steam to the first and second nozzles according to an operating mode. The operating mode is determined by a plurality of sensors positioned in communication with the process chamber. The steam generator generates steam in the absence of a dedicated heating element.

According to yet another aspect, the operational mode includes selective operation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first nozzle is positioned within an upper portion of a process chamber and a second nozzle is positioned in a lower portion of the process chamber. A second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct steam in an upward direction toward the access aperture.

According to another aspect, a steam generation system includes a steam generator that generates steam at a temperature similar to an air temperature of process air within a process chamber. The steam generator delivers steam to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operation mode.

According to yet another aspect, a steam generation system includes a valve positioned between a steam generator and a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The operating mode includes selective activation of valves for the first nozzle and the second nozzle, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the conductive sensor is in communication with the steam generator and the valve. The conductive sensor is disposed on a surface of the drum and measures a humidity level of process air within the process chamber. The operational mode and selective activation of the valve is operated at least partially according to the humidity level as measured by the conductive sensor.

According to another aspect, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having an access aperture. The drum rotates within the cabinet to process a load of articles. The access aperture provides selective access to a process chamber defined within the drum. The steam generation system delivers steam to the process chamber. A first nozzle is coupled to the front panel and above the access aperture. The second nozzle is positioned in a rear panel of the process chamber. The steam generation system delivers steam to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operating mode. The operating mode is determined by a plurality of sensors positioned in communication with the process chamber. The first nozzle is oriented to direct a first jet of fluid in a downward direction toward a rear panel of the process chamber, and the second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct a second jet of fluid in an upward direction toward the access aperture. The first jet of fluid and the second jet of fluid define a three-dimensional pattern of vapor that engages the load of articles from above and below, respectively.

According to yet another aspect, the mode of operation is based on at least one of a type of fabric being treated in the treatment chamber and an amount of articles being treated in the treatment chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the operational mode includes activation and deactivation of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

According to another aspect, the plurality of sensors includes a conductive sensor for measuring the humidity of the process air within the process chamber, a rear temperature probe, and a front temperature probe. The rear temperature probe and the front temperature probe measure a temperature difference between the process air entering the process chamber and the process air exiting the process chamber. The humidity and temperature differences together define the mode of operation.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such engagement may be stationary or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such engagement may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable.

It is further noted that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the connectors or other elements of the structures and/or components or systems may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It is understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The example structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A laundry appliance, comprising:

a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path;

a rotating drum defining a processing chamber, wherein the processing chamber is part of the airflow path;

a steam generation system to place steam into the processing chamber; and

a plurality of fluid nozzles that direct the vapor into the processing chamber according to an operating mode, wherein the plurality of fluid nozzles includes a first nozzle positioned within an upper portion of the processing chamber and a second nozzle positioned in a lower portion of the processing chamber.

2. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the mode of operation is based on the type of fabric being treated in the treatment chamber.

3. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the mode of operation is based on an amount of items processed in the processing chamber.

4. The laundry appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a cabinet, wherein the rotating drum operates within the cabinet and includes an access aperture providing selective access to the processing chamber, wherein the first nozzle is positioned above the access aperture and oriented to direct a first jet of fluid in a downward direction toward a rear panel of the processing chamber.

5. The laundry appliance of claim 4, wherein the second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct a second jet of fluid in an upward direction toward the access aperture.

6. The laundry appliance of claim 5, further comprising a steam generator that generates steam at a temperature similar to an air temperature of the process air within the processing chamber, and wherein the steam generator delivers fluid to the first and second nozzles according to the operating mode.

7. The laundry appliance of claim 6, wherein the operating mode includes selective activation of valves for the first nozzle and the second nozzle, respectively, wherein the steam generator includes the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

8. The laundry appliance of claim 7, further comprising:

an electrically conductive sensor in communication with the steam generator and the valve, wherein the electrically conductive sensor measures a humidity level within the processing chamber, and wherein the operational mode and the selective activation of the valve are operated at least partially as a function of the humidity level within the processing chamber as measured by the electrically conductive sensor.

9. The laundry appliance of claim 7, further comprising:

a rear temperature probe positioned within the airflow path and proximate to the rear panel of the processing chamber, the rear temperature probe measuring an air temperature of the process air entering the processing chamber; and

a front temperature probe positioned within the gas flow path and proximate to a front panel of the processing chamber, the front temperature probe measuring the air temperature of the process air exiting the processing chamber, wherein;

the rear temperature probe and the front temperature probe measure temperature changes of the process air; and is

The operating mode and the selective activation of the valve are operated at least in part according to the temperature change of the process air.

10. The laundry appliance of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mode of operation comprises activation and deactivation of the plurality of fluid nozzles.

11. A laundry appliance, comprising:

a cabinet having an access aperture defined within a front panel of the cabinet;

a drum rotating within the cabinet, wherein the access aperture provides selective access to a processing chamber defined within the drum;

a steam generation system that delivers steam to the processing chamber;

a first nozzle coupled to the front panel and above the access aperture; and

a second nozzle positioned within a rear panel of the process chamber; wherein

A steam generator delivers steam to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operating mode, wherein the operating mode is determined by a plurality of sensors positioned in communication with the processing chamber; and is

The steam generator generates steam in the absence of a dedicated heating element.

12. The laundry appliance of claim 11, wherein the first nozzle is positioned within an upper portion of the treatment chamber and a second nozzle is positioned within a lower portion of the treatment chamber, and wherein the second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct steam in an upward direction toward the access aperture.

13. The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the steam generation system includes a steam generator that generates steam at a temperature similar to an air temperature of process air within the treatment chamber, and wherein the steam generator communicates steam to the first and second nozzles according to the mode of operation.

14. The laundry appliance of claim 13, wherein the steam generation system includes a valve positioned between the steam generator and the first and second nozzles, wherein the operating mode includes selective activation of the valve for the first and second nozzles, respectively.

15. The laundry appliance of claim 14, further comprising:

an electrically conductive sensor in communication with the steam generator and the valve, wherein the electrically conductive sensor is disposed on a surface of the drum and measures a humidity level of process air within the processing chamber, and wherein the operational mode and the selective activation of the valve are operated at least partially according to the humidity level as measured by the electrically conductive sensor.

16. The laundry appliance of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the mode of operation comprises selective operation of the first and second nozzles.

17. A laundry appliance, comprising:

a cabinet having an access aperture;

a drum rotating within the cabinet to process a load of articles, wherein the access aperture provides selective access to a processing chamber defined within the drum;

a steam generation system that delivers steam to the processing chamber;

a first nozzle coupled to the front panel and above the access aperture; and

a second nozzle positioned within a rear panel of the process chamber; wherein

The steam generation system delivers steam to the first nozzle and the second nozzle according to an operating mode, wherein the operating mode is determined by a plurality of sensors positioned in communication with the processing chamber;

wherein the first nozzle is oriented to direct a first jet of fluid in a downward direction toward a rear panel of the processing chamber and the second nozzle is positioned within the rear panel and oriented to direct a second jet of fluid in an upward direction toward the access aperture; and is provided with

Wherein the first jet of fluid and the second jet of fluid define a three-dimensional pattern of vapor that engages the load of articles from above and below, respectively.

18. The laundry appliance of claim 17, wherein the mode of operation is based on at least one of a type of fabric being treated in the treatment chamber and an amount of articles being treated in the treatment chamber.

19. The laundry appliance of claim 17, wherein the mode of operation includes activation and deactivation of the first and second nozzles.

20. The laundry appliance of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises an electrically conductive sensor for measuring a humidity of process air within the treatment chamber, a rear temperature probe and a front temperature probe, wherein the rear temperature probe and the front temperature probe measure a temperature difference between the process air entering the treatment chamber and the process air exiting the treatment chamber, wherein the humidity and the temperature difference together define the operating mode.